FIFA Introduces New Rules for 2026 World Cup: VAR Expansion, Timewasting Penalties, and Substitution Changes
FIFA has announced several rule changes for the 2026 World Cup designed to reduce timewasting and expand VAR's scope, including countdowns for goal-kicks and throw-ins, penalties for slow substitutions, and four new areas of VAR review. The changes build on measures implemented at the 2022 Qatar World Cup, where opening matches exceeded 100 minutes with extended stoppage time. These modifications aim to improve game flow and fairness while addressing long-standing issues in professional football.
FIFA has introduced multiple rule changes intended for the 2026 World Cup to combat timewasting and enhance VAR's decision-making authority. Timewasting measures include five-second countdowns for goal-kicks and throw-ins, where deliberate delays could result in a corner or possession change, and a 10-second limit for substituted players to leave the field—failure to comply results in the substitute being unable to enter for at least one minute while the team plays with 10 players. VAR's scope expands to cover four new areas: verifying correct corner awards, reviewing second yellow cards leading to red cards, examining attacking fouls before the ball is in play that directly lead to goals or penalties, and using new out-of-bounds technology to determine which player last touched the ball. These changes represent an evolution of timewasting protocols tested at the 2022 Qatar World Cup, where matches regularly exceeded 100 minutes. The rules are designed as deterrents through clear consequences rather than strict enforcement, with the goal of altering player behavior and maintaining game momentum.
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VAR, timewasting and subs - World Cup law changes explained
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